The HELP for Small Business initiative continues to take applications until Sept. 30. The program began in late spring with the City of Harlingen and the Harlingen EDC recognizing the need for help as the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the business community. That prompted the Harlingen EDC board of directors to set aside $1,000,000 to fund HELP for Small Business. The program had successfully assisted many small businesses.…
The Port of Brownsville will join the U.S. trucking industry in celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Sept. 13-19. This year’s celebration takes on a special meaning due to the spread of COVID-19. Professional truck drivers stepped up when they were needed most, and have kept the economy on its feet despite facing unprecedented obstacles. On average, more than 1,500 trucks enter the Port of Brownsville daily to pick up…
The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville is launching Census Sundays in an effort to bolster census participation in areas that are still undercounted. In addition to announcements to parishioners, certain area churches will host drive-through events every weekend through Sept. 27. “A vital part of the mission of the Church is to care for the people of God – all people – Catholic or not,” states a release from the Diocese.…
For the first time in 13 years, the Port of Brownsville resumed the export of grains overseas via vessel. WestPlains LLC, the operator of the port’s grain elevator, loaded 34,000 metric tons of sorghum onto the M/V Tian Fu in late-August. The grain was harvested from throughout the Rio Grande Valley. This is the first of four vessels with sorghum that WestPlains will ship to China this year. The port…
National Small Business Week will be virtual this year, taking place Sept. 22-24 after a rescheduling from May. National Small Business Week honors the nation’s small businesses for their achievements and dedication to their communities. Many of these businesses are veteran, women or minority-owned, This year’s National Small Business Week activities will include numerous educational panels. They will provide both retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs as small businesses. The…
A top-to-bottom redesign of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s public website is live, offering users improved TABC search capabilities. Users now also have the ability to download application forms, and obtain quick and easy access to public information. The new site is the result of a more than nine-month redesign process relying on alcoholic beverage industry feedback. This includes those agency employees, state lawmakers and industry members. The site is…
The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce has kicked off its Love Local campaign through Nov. 27. The weekly drawing will reward those supporting Weslaco businesses by making purchases of at least $20. In order to be eligible for drawings, customers must send the chamber a photo of their receipt(s) through Facebook messenger. The more people shop, the more entries they receive. Customers may also receive extra entries by uploading a picture…
Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Texas businesses and residents affected by Hurricane Hanna July 25-28. The U.S. Small Business Administration declared a disaster and is making assistance available in Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Kenedy, Starr and Willacy counties. This is in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Greg Abbott on Aug. 28. “Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations,…
A produce distribution drive-through takes place Sept. 10 to provide free fruits and vegetables to veterans. The event is made possible via a partnership between VA Texas Valley Costal Bend Health Care System and the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Food insecurity is a serious issue affecting many Americans either daily or at the end of the month when financial resources are exhausted. Food insecurity is especially prevalent…
The Edinburg Chamber and its business members donated school supplies to the Boys & Girls Club of the Rio Grande Valley after hosting a two-week-long school supply drive. The start of the 2020-2021 school year may look very different but many students must still purchase school supplies. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce made the decision to help parents alleviate this stress. Distribution of the supplies took place at the club…